LAS VEGAS, NV. & MINNEAPOLIS (June 6, 2018)— Indian Motorcycle®, America’s First Motorcycle Company®, today announced its support and sponsorship of the fourth annual Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis. The veteran operated non-profit organization uses “motorcycle therapy” to help fellow veterans adjust to post-war life.

Many of the veterans joining the Veterans Charity Ride for the first time are amputees, paraplegics, or suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress and other issues veterans face after leaving the military. These new veterans will pair with veteran mentors who have already been through the Veterans Charity Ride program and receive one-on-one support to help their transition back to civilian life.

“We built a program specifically designed to assist wounded and amputee combat veterans with their needs and the issues they deal with on a daily basis. We give them the tools and a support structure to help get their life back on track following their tour of duty and life overseas,” said Dave Frey, Veterans Charity Ride Founder. “Many of our veterans used to ride motorcycles before their injuries and thought they never would ride again. Through support from companies like Indian Motorcycle and Champion Sidecar, we are able to get these vets back on bikes and enjoy the freedom of the open road.”

The Veterans Charity Ride will depart from Las Vegas on July 28 and travel through the most scenic roads of the western United States on Indian motorcycles. The eight-day ride to Sturgis will include a multi-day stop in Moab, Utah; where the participating veterans will experience the camaraderie of the group through off-road adventures and outdoor activities. The motorcycle ride will continue through Colorado, visiting Eagle and Fort Collins, and make its way through the Black Hills in South Dakota. On August 4, members of the Veterans Charity Ride will experience a “Hero’s Welcome” upon their arrival to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The journey not only delivers the freedom of the open road and cathartic experience only a motorcycle can deliver, but allows the veterans to bond by sharing stories and engage in peer-to-peer discussions.

“Veterans Charity Ride is a life-changing program for those who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Reid Wilson, Senior Director – Marketing and Product Planning for Indian Motorcycle. “Supporting the U.S. military has always been core to our brand DNA, and it’s an honor to give back by supporting a noble cause.”

The Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis was conceived and developed by veteran Army Paratrooper Dave Frey and Emmy Award-winning producer and director Robert Manciero of Full Vision Productions, leveraging the therapeutic effects of motorcycle riding to create an adventure of a lifetime for wounded veterans.

Primary sponsors of the Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis include Indian Motorcycle and Monster Energy Drink, with additional sponsorship and support provided by Champion Trikes & Sidecars, Cycle Gear, Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys, Wrangler Jeans and the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.

MINNEAPOLIS and ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (May 17, 2018) — Team Polaris® and its advanced MRZR® X multi-mode vehicle platform have been selected by the U.S. Army to be one of the robotic systems used by infantry brigade combat teams for the next year of trials as part of the Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) program.

“The optionally-manned MRZR X helps ease the transition from manned vehicles to unmanned because it maintains the functionality, drivability and multi-mission capability of a traditional MRZR,” said Patrick Zech, program manager, Polaris Government and Defense. “Providing the Army with the option for high speed operations or missions with a soldier driving behind a traditional steering wheel is an important part of our offering.”

As military forces worldwide look to lighten the warfighter’s load now and smartly network vehicles in the multi-domain battlefield in the coming years, the MRZR X provides an evolving, robotics capable, multi-mission platform. In addition, the MRZR X provides worldwide commonality with the MRZRs already in service in the U.S. and more than 30 allied nations.

“In addition to meeting or exceeding all of the current robotics requirements, we’ve designed a layered, modular, open architecture, integrating sensors and software that will make it easier for the Army to securely upgrade technology in the vehicles,” Matthew Fordham, group lead and associate division manager for Unmanned Systems and Security Products, Applied Research Associates Inc (ARA).

The MRZR X provides warfighters with a modular, multi-mission support platform and that has multiple modes of operation that span a broad spectrum from traditional operator driving, to multiple levels of autonomy, including the capability for remote control, teleoperation, follow-me, leader-follower and full autonomy. This allows the MRZR X to enhance and evolve mobility in varying roles including service as a robotic equipment mule, autonomous resupply vehicle, warfighter-driven squad carrier, logistics support vehicle, rescue mission enabler and high-speed casualty evacuation capability. In the future, the connectivity of the MRZR X will provide the ability to act as a networked node in the multi-domain battlespace.

ARA has been producing Modular Robotic Applique Kits (M-RAKs) for more than 20 years, with a specialty in off-road robotics, further enhanced by the acquisition of Neya Systems. The advanced MRZR X fully integrates the autonomy systems and optimally places the sensors to safeguard the technology while keeping the physical and software architecture open so it can spiral in future technology. The vehicle drivetrain is powerful and reliable, allowing for longer missions, high speeds and silent drive when needed – all on the very familiar, sustainable and intuitive MRZR platform.

Polaris Industries Inc., Applied Research Associates Inc. (ARA) and Neya Systems LLC formally teamed in 2017. The Team Polaris MRZR® X evolves squad mobility with advanced unmanned systems technology from ARA and the pioneering and unsurpassed autonomous systems behavior of Neya Systems. Team Polaris has many pursuits – together and individually – with U.S. services, allied militaries and commercial programs.

Deserving Military Children Surprised by Polaris and Minnesota Vikings Stars Adam Thielen & Kyle Rudolph with ‘Salute to Service’ Game Tickets and a Youth Off-Road Vehicle

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 18, 2017 – Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) joined forces with the Minnesota Vikings and United Heroes League to celebrate service members, veterans and their families. Six children from five deserving families were selected by United Heroes League to participate in the Polaris’ Salute to Military Kids event and to be recognized by the Minnesota Vikings at its Salute to Service game on Nov. 19.

Polaris also is donating five percent of proceeds from all Polaris ACE® 150 EFI sales in November and December, up to $20,000, to United Heroes League.

On Nov. 7, the six kids, ranging in ages from 12 to 14, spent a dream day riding youth-sized, off-road Polaris vehicles at the company’s research and development facility in Wyoming, Minnesota. A Polaris driving instructor worked with each child to teach them how to safely operate the vehicle, along with proper off-road driving techniques. At the end of the day, Polaris surprised the kids with keys to their own youth-sized Polaris vehicle. The kids could choose from a Polaris Outlaw® 110 EFI, ACE® 150 EFI, RZR® 170 EFI, Sportsman® 110 EFI and Phoenix® 200.

More surprises were in store for the kids when the Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen and tight end Kyle Rudolph stopped by to meet the families and invite them to the Vikings Salute to Service game.

“We can never truly repay our active military members for the sacrifices they make on our behalf, but it can be easy to overlook the sacrifices their kids are also making, and that’s why it was so gratifying to be able to do something in honor of them,” said Thielen. “It was such a privilege to spend some time with these five incredible families, and I look forward to honoring them at our Salute to Service Game.”

Among the families who will be honored during the game are active and former service members of Minnesota Army and Minnesota Air National Guard. The kids, and their families, are a part of the United Heroes League organization that aims to empower military kids to stay healthy and active, and supports veterans and active duty service members battling the financial burden associated with sports.

“Our mission focuses on empowering our military families to stay healthy and active. Today was a shining example of families enjoying a fantastic activity that peaks all of their interests,” said Ben Mattson, chief marketing officer for United Heroes League. “We cannot thank Polaris or the Vikings organizations enough for this tremendous gift. These military families will never forget this day!”

“United Heroes League helps military kids receive the support and resources they deserve while their parents are serving our country,” said Kyle Duea vice president of marketing for Off-Road Vehicles at Polaris. “We are honored to have helped these five families create lasting memories, and look forward to continuing to help support United Heroes League and its worthy mission through the rest of our Salute to Military Kids giveback campaign.”

United Heroes League helps to keep military kids engages and active in sports throughout all 50 states through grants, free skill development camps and equipment, and game tickets to professional sporting events.

More information on Polaris’ Salute to Military Kids and ways to support United Heroes League is available at www.polaris.com/uhl.

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MINNEAPOLIS and ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (September 25, 2017) — Polaris Industries Inc., Applied Research Associates Inc. (ARA) and Neya Systems LLC have teamed to provide the U.S. Army with an elite platform for the Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) program: the Team Polaris MRZR® X, that will evolve squad mobility with advanced unmanned systems technology from ARA and the pioneering and unsurpassed autonomous systems behavior of Neya Systems.

“The MRZR X provides a modular, multi-mission platform for the U.S. Army’s SMET program to provide squad overmatch, no matter what the mission. It is based on the very familiar Polaris MRZR platform – and creates an optionally manned platform,” said John Olson, PhD, vice president and general manager of Polaris Government and Defense. “Off-road autonomy is challenging, but no one does off-road better than Polaris. And absolutely no one does off-road robotics and autonomy better than ARA and Neya Systems.”

The modular MRZR is a prolific and preferred platform among infantry units in the U.S. and more than 25 allied countries, which helps make its integration and the transition from manned to unmanned vehicles easier for the Army and the soldier. The MRZR X maintains the same mission profile the Army is accustomed to, with additional capabilities for the soldiers that exceed SMET base requirements.

ARA is an employee-owned scientific research and engineering company that acquired Neya Systems earlier this year. Neya Systems is known for their development of unmanned systems for defense, homeland security, and commercial users. Neya Systems staff, under the continued leadership of Parag Batavia, PhD, have been recognized worldwide for their contributions in advanced unmanned systems technology, including Batavia’s development of open architecture used universally by the Department of Defense.

“With the combined skills and expertise of Neya Systems and ARA, we’re able to bring world-class robotic solutions to Team Polaris to provide the U.S. soldier with advanced capabilities, a lightened physical load, and increased situational awareness to equip them for the multi-domain battlefield,” says ARA’s President and CEO, Rob Sues, PhD.

Best Friends and Above the Knee Bi-Lateral Amputees to Trade off Piloting an Indian Scout Avenger Sidecar from Los Angeles to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Minneapolis & Los Angeles (July 24, 2017) — Indian Motorcycle®, America’s First Motorcycle Company®, and “Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis,” announced veterans Corporal Joshua Stein, U.S. Army (Ret.) and Corporal Neil Frustaglio, U.S. Marines (Ret.) have been named as the honorary “Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime” selectees. The two post-9/11 veteran heroes were chosen from over 50 total entries in a nomination program that called upon friends and family members to submit deserving veterans for a once-in-a-lifetime motorcycle therapy adventure.

Corporal Joshua Stein, US Army (Ret.) joined the Army in February of 2005 as a 12B Combat Engineer, and was deployed to Iraq in December. On Easter Sunday of 2006, Josh and his team were struck by an Explosively Formed Penetrator bomb that blasted through their armored Bradley vehicle and immediately severed and cauterized both of Josh’s legs. Doctors in Iraq prioritized limb salvage, saving both his arms, and transported him back to the U.S., where he eventually woke up out of a medically induced coma with his family surrounding him a the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio Texas. Following a long battle, and significant rehabilitation, Josh found a purpose at the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) from which he’ll be graduating in Phoenix, Arizona on July 7, 2017.

Josh’s best friend, Corporal Neil Frustaglio, US Marines (Ret.) joined the Marines right after graduating high school and was deployed in September of 2005 with his unit to Ramadi, Iraq. While on a mission providing security during the Iraqi elections, Neil’s convoy sustained two massive IED explosions. As a result of the blasts, Neil lost both of his legs above the knee and received third-degree burns to twenty percent of his body, forcing him to undergo 24 surgeries and intense physical therapy at the young age of twenty-two. In a significant effort to turn around his life, support his family and maintain a regular life, Neil went back to work and eventually to school. He graduated in December 2016 with his Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Arizona State University. Neil grew up riding motorcycles, was constantly on a bike before his injury.

“We’re extremely excited for this year’s ride to Sturgis. We have a great group of veterans joining us, and each and every year is special in its own right,” said David Frey, Veterans Charity Ride Founder. “Our Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime selectees, Josh and Neil, know a thing or two about resiliency. It’ll be incredible to witness two above-the-knee bi-lateral amputees push and motivate one another half way across the country as they trade off riding an Indian Scout Avenger Sidecar. That indomitable spirit and nature will be powerful for our entire group of veterans.”

The two heroes will pilot an Indian Scout Avenger Sidecar with modifications made by John Meade, owner of Azzkikr Custom Baggers, and his veteran employees in Phoenix, AZ. The Indian Scout Sidecar rig will be outfitted with a Rekluse Clutch, which eliminates the need to pull the clutch handle for shifting, a hand shift mechanism so the amputee rider can shift the bike manually, and the rear brake system will be moved and adapted to a hand brake on the left handlebar. The Scout will be complete with a custom Corbin seat to provide extra comfort and seating area for the long journey.

The Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis will depart from Los Angeles on July 28, on Indian Motorcycles and Champion Sidecars. The therapeutic adventure provides participating veterans the opportunity to work toward overcoming their post-war challenges while out on the open road. Riding through the most scenic back roads of the western United States, veterans will not only experience the great outdoors and the beauty this country has to offer, but also make stops to meet with other veterans, supporters, riders, and participate in various adjacent adventures. Upon arrival in Sturgis on August 5, the group will be treated to a special “Heroes Welcome” before taking part in a week of activities that further solidify the brotherhood and sisterhood formed during the ride.

The Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis was conceived and developed by veteran Army Paratrooper Dave Frey and Emmy Award-winning producer and director Robert Manciero of Full Vision Productions, leveraging the therapeutic effects of motorcycle riding to create an adventure of a lifetime for wounded veterans.

MINNEAPOLIS (December 20, 2016) — Public Works and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has awarded its Ultra-Light Combat Vehicle (ULCV) contract to Polaris, following an open and competitive bid process. The $15.5 USD million contract includes DAGOR vehicles, maintenance and operator training, spare parts, and the option for additional vehicles (at an additional cost) to meet the requirements of Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM).

Ultralight ground mobility is at the forefront of many military’s needs – especially the Canadian Special Forces, which can deploy on extremely short notice for counter-terrorism operations and other time-sensitive Special Operation Forces (SOF) missions. The DAGOR ultra-light combat vehicle is just as deployable and was designed to be modular and light-weight to support a variety of expeditionary missions.

The ULCV contract is structured to provide CANSOFCOM with a custom vehicle to meet Canada’s unique SOF requirement. The flexible DAGOR platform will undergo engineering and mission configurations to incorporate new features and capabilities, including redesigned payload configuration, weapons mounts, electrical system improvements, and integrated communication systems. The final vehicle configuration, testing, and production of the ULCV will be a collaborative effort with CANSOFCOM.

“We are extremely pleased to have won the contract following the competitive process to provide our DAGOR vehicles to CANSOFCOM as this major international program award builds on our strong current domestic base,” said John Olson, PhD, vice president and general manager of Polaris Government and Defense. “We are proud to partner with the Canadian government and industry to deliver this ground mobility capability and the lifecycle support to smartly sustain it. Our program management, engineering, operations, and logistics teams are looking forward to working closely with our Canadian customer.

Olson added, “We greatly appreciated PSPC’s professionalism and found the ULCV procurement to be rigorous, thorough and well-executed as they delivered clear requirements, were extremely responsive to industry questions, and crisply executed the entire effort.”

With seating for up to nine, DAGOR comprises the optimal balance of rapid air transportability, payload capacity and advanced mobility. DAGOR gives an advantage back to dismounted warfighters, allowing formations to move faster, carry more and significantly reduce combat fatigue. And its weight and size allow it to be internally transportable on a variety of in-service aircraft, including CH-47 and C-130.

Polaris Government and Defense vehicles deliver a coveted combination of deployability, versatility and off-road mobility, forged from more than 60 years of off-road vehicle experience that is simply unmatched. Vehicles include the rugged Sportsman MV 850, the modular and nimble MRZR, and the DAGOR, which expands upon the range, payload and off-road mobility of any previous tactical off-road vehicle. The enhanced tactical mobility provided by Polaris Government and Defense gives an advantage back to dismounted troops, allowing formations to move faster, carry more and significantly reduce combat fatigue. Polaris FSR support is scalable worldwide and includes military vehicle training, service and maintenance. It also can be supplemented internationally through the Polaris network of distributors. And because Polaris vehicles are in service throughout the world, there is a high degree of interoperability and commonality among U.S. and allied forces.